What's in the workshop? A 3D printer!

[MikkiJayne]

Fusion 360 can import an image as a background and then you can sketch over the top of it, but I find old Autocad much faster to draw with in 2D, then just pull the DXF in to Fusion and go from there

[PsYcHe]

My oldest is doing a product design course at Uni, and uses Solidworks a lot for his prototyping.

[RS6]

MikkiJayne this is amazing!! can you make the black control knob for the menu system the one you twist, i reckon you would sell out of these fast lol they are always cracking and breaking mine barely works, i know HP is the same

[steamship]

Originally Posted by RS6

MikkiJayne this is amazing!! can you make the black control knob for the menu system the one you twist,

There is such a 3D plan for it 'out there' somewhere. I came across it a couple of years ago and thought it was a good use for 3D printing. Didn't however save it, or know what site it was on.

[HPsauce]

The knob itself is pretty generic, as long as it's not too big or too small any would do.

The critical bit is getting the fitting to the spindle correct, so that it stays on, grips and rotates the spindle and is the correct depth to allow for the "press down" function.

Luckily I found an ancient control knob, looks like something from a ham radio or DIY stereo setup, that fitted perfectly.

[MikkiJayne]

It shouldn't be too hard to knock up a 3D model of the knob, and with a little fine tuning (and maybe some glue) it'll be easy enough to get it to turn the shaft.

Whether you guys would be happy with the finish is the big question for me, since without a lot of post-processing, 3d printed parts are very obviously 3d printed parts. Of course, that may actually appeal to some - I find it quite pleasing to leave the finish on some items since it makes them more interesting.

Its possible to vapour-polish things made from ABS using acetone, which removes the printing lines and leaves a smooth glossy finish, but I can't do that yet. Printing in matte effect filament does help with appearance too, but its not going to match the surrounding plastics that way.

I'll have a play and see what I can come up with

[tintin]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

It shouldn't be too hard to knock up a 3D model of the knob, and with a little fine tuning (and maybe some glue) it'll be easy enough to get it to turn the shaft.

Whether you guys would be happy with the finish is the big question for me, since without a lot of post-processing, 3d printed parts are very obviously 3d printed parts. Of course, that may actually appeal to some - I find it quite pleasing to leave the finish on some items since it makes them more interesting.

Its possible to vapour-polish things made from ABS using acetone, which removes the printing lines and leaves a smooth glossy finish, but I can't do that yet. Printing in matte effect filament does help with appearance too, but its not going to match the surrounding plastics that way.

I'll have a play and see what I can come up with

I agree about wanting to get the finish right (I was lucky enough to get a pukka replacement from A8 parts for a tenner when mine broke.. ) - but wouldn't something like plastidip also be an option, or would that just look crass?

[MikkiJayne]

Paint and / or plastidip type products would probably give an acceptable finish, but may also wear quickly. The time required for post-processing would likely make the finished product cost-prohibitive though.

[RS6]

Originally Posted by steamship

There is such a 3D plan for it 'out there' somewhere. I came across it a couple of years ago and thought it was a good use for 3D printing. Didn't however save it, or know what site it was on.

i remember you posting this! but can't find the link now

[RS6]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

It shouldn't be too hard to knock up a 3D model of the knob, and with a little fine tuning (and maybe some glue) it'll be easy enough to get it to turn the shaft.

Whether you guys would be happy with the finish is the big question for me, since without a lot of post-processing, 3d printed parts are very obviously 3d printed parts. Of course, that may actually appeal to some - I find it quite pleasing to leave the finish on some items since it makes them more interesting.

Its possible to vapour-polish things made from ABS using acetone, which removes the printing lines and leaves a smooth glossy finish, but I can't do that yet. Printing in matte effect filament does help with appearance too, but its not going to match the surrounding plastics that way.

I'll have a play and see what I can come up with

yeah deffo be up for one wouldn't mind a crazy colour either